
I met Damla because we were neighbors. Our boys fast became best buds. I learned a lot about Turkish culture from Damla. We spent hours along the way trading stories of our varying cultures. Though she lives in the US, I visited her in Istanbul in 2013 where I experienced first hand her life as she grew up. It was magical.
Though my friend Damla is 14 years my junior we are bonded in friendship based on a bundle of shared values. We both are in love with our husbands, children, family. We are both no nonsense strong women who are quick to speak our mind, defend the under dog, and share our point of view with care and purpose toward reconciliation.
I have become better knowing my friend Damla. I have so many wonderful deposits of truth, transparency, and fairness with her in my life. Too bad for me she is moving in less than one week back to Turkey after 17 years living in the U.S.
Recently she snuck a pair of beautiful Turkish white linen pants into a bag I was carrying, a full size too small for me. She whispered, "Darling this is to encourage you." That's my Damla. Always thinking of her friends. Precisely why I can't stand the thought of her leaving. Damla is the real friendship deal. A true gem.
Her son Alp was told to say goodbye to his pal, my son Michael. He replied, "I would rather live hungry on the streets than say goodbye to a friend."
That about sums it up for me too Alp.
I will miss my friend.
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